George and I show hunter under saddle, but my son and I both barrel race. My son is now 8 and started barrel racing at 5, I have taken a brake from barrel racing until some NEW horse related injuries heal. BUT I am training two new barrel horses for both my son and I. He wants to race a horse instead of his pony in two years. So we bought him a red roan leapord that is 14 hh and really quiet. I have a paint that I rescued. Both are registered. I don't think we will be unstopable, But as I keep telling my son, the point is to enjoy what you are doing. ( had to tell him this after his pony took to tossing him on the ground after the third barrel all last year, she would finish the race and then be back to pick him up. just way to funny to watch! He would come out of the ring and say "Aw Mom I lost aagggaaaiiinn!")